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+ servings
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 10 servings
Calories 908 kcal

Ingredients
 

  • 5 large eggs
  • ¾ cup+3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 cup sunflower oil
  • ½ cup orange juice
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups carrots grated
  • 1 cup walnuts coarsely chopped
  • 2 cups cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2⅔ cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • Crack the eggs into a large bowl and add the sugar, oil, orange juice and vanilla extract. Beat for a few minutes until you get a smooth, slightly foamy mixture.
  • In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until no lumps remain.
  • Peel the carrots and grate them on the fine side of the grater, then gently squeeze out any excess juice if there's too much.
  • Add the grated carrots and chopped walnuts to the batter and fold them in with a spatula, using gentle bottom-to-top motions, until evenly distributed.
  • Prepare a round cake pan about 8 inches (21 cm) in diameter: line the bottom with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides with a thin layer of oil.
  • Pour the batter into the pan, smooth the top with a spatula, and bake in a preheated oven at 340°F (170°C). Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Remove the cake from the oven, let it rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack and let it cool completely before frosting.
  • For the frosting, place the cream cheese and softened butter in a bowl. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then beat on high speed for 5–7 minutes, until you get a smooth, fluffy, glossy frosting.
  • Once the cake has cooled, trim off the domed top to level it. Then slice it horizontally into 3 roughly equal layers.
  • Place the first cake layer on a serving plate. Spread part of the frosting over it (about a third, or slightly less) in an even layer.
  • Stack the second cake layer on top, spread with frosting again, then repeat with the third layer. Use the remaining frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake.
  • Refrigerate the cake for at least 1–2 hours, to let the frosting firm up and the flavors settle.
  • Before serving, decorate the cake with chopped walnuts sprinkled on top or around the edges. Slice and serve the cake cold — it's a fragrant, moist dessert with a slightly crunchy texture from the walnuts.

Notes

  • Use room-temperature cream cheese and butter for a smooth, lump-free frosting.
  • Grate the carrots finely and squeeze out excess liquid so the batter isn't too wet.
  • Toast the walnuts lightly before chopping for a deeper, nuttier flavor.
  • Let the cake cool completely before frosting, or the frosting will melt and slide off.
  • Chill the finished cake for at least 1-2 hours so the frosting firms up before slicing.
  • Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 908kcal | Carbohydrates: 70g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 66g | Saturated Fat: 24g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 29g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 176mg | Sodium: 409mg | Potassium: 338mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 37g | Vitamin A: 7739IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 166mg | Iron: 3mg
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